Shlomi Shabat on Faith, Tefillin, and His Emotional Torah Scroll Dedication

Israeli singer Shlomi Shabat has been speaking more openly in recent years about his deepening faith and connection to Judaism. Over the past year, he has frequently shared his belief in God, and recently marked a particularly meaningful milestone by dedicating a Torah scroll in memory of his parents.

The emotional ceremony took place at the synagogue in the building where he lives in Netanya and was attended by dozens of residents and guests. In an interview, Shabat described the experience as "the greatest thing I've ever done in my life."

“I Truly Merit This Privilege”

When asked about the emotional significance of the event, Shabat said: “I was privileged — truly privileged, to dedicate two Torah scrolls to my synagogue: a Torah scroll and a Haftarah scroll.”

According to Shabat, the dedication was only the beginning. He has taken it upon himself to help ensure that the synagogue remains active throughout the week, not just on Shabbat.

A Dream to Fill the Synagogue Every Day

“The work begins now,” he explained. “The goal is to keep the synagogue active — to have a minyan, to have regular prayers. It’s not about money. It’s about desire. It’s work. It’s phone calls.”

Although the project is still in its early stages, Shabat says he is already deeply moved by the response.

“It’s still in its infancy,” he said. “On Friday and Shabbat the synagogue is full... it brings me to tears. I’m there regularly, going down to pray. My greatest dream is to have the synagogue active during the week as well, with a morning minyan. That’s my biggest dream, in memory of my parents and my brother.”

“I Don’t Leave Home Without Putting on Tefillin”

In a recent interview, Shabat also spoke about his personal spiritual journey.

“I keep growing stronger in my faith,” he said. “I don’t leave the house without putting on tefillin.”

He recalled a particularly emotional moment during a hospitalization on the eve of Hoshana Rabbah. Believing that the prayers of that special night would help his recovery, he asked his doctor for one more night in the hospital before being discharged.

“I told the professor — whose wife was a big fan of mine — ‘Do me a favor. Let me stay here one more day, one more night in my ward, and tomorrow we’ll go.’ It was the night of Hoshana Rabbah, the night when Jews everywhere are praying.”

Reflecting on the experience, he became emotional.

“When I remember it, I want to cry. It turns out that the whole country was praying for me. People were directing their prayers toward me.”

For Shlomi Shabat, the dedication of the Torah scrolls and his commitment to strengthening synagogue life represent more than a personal achievement — they are part of an ongoing journey of faith, gratitude, and connection to his family’s memory.